Mìwàte welcomes public back to sacred Chaudière Falls

Elder Albert Dumont says sound and light show a mockery, not a celebration, of Indigenous culture

Chaudière Falls, closed from public view for a century, will reopen with an elaborate sound and light show Friday, but not everyone is ready join the welcome back party.

Mìwàte, a production meant to celebrate Indigenous culture, premieres Friday night as part of ongoing Canada 150 celebrations in the capital. Spectators on a public viewing platform will see the roiling water of the falls illuminated to a soundtrack of upbeat music mixed with voice tracks in the Anishinaabe language.

Ottawa 2017 organizers partnered with multimedia entertainment studio Moment Factory to produce the looping, 10-minute show after consulting with members of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, as well as local Métis and Inuit communities.

“It’s not historical whitewash. We’re talking about the dark side of our history, residential schools, getting people to realize that First Nations have been in this area for 10,000 years,” he said Thursday.

“It’s a multi-sensory experience as you feel the mist from the falls, the sound, the beautiful light projection. At times, it’s going to feel like a rock concert.”

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The Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa | le Conseil des organismes du patrimoine d’Ottawa is an umbrella organization serving cultural heritage organizations in the greater Ottawa area. The Council plays a leading role in developing and sustaining Ottawa’s heritage sector and ensuring local residents have access to heritage. To achieve its objectives, the Council works closely with museums, archives, historical and genealogical societies, cultural communities, heritage buildings and sites as well as a range of heritage scholars, supporters and advocates. The Council also acts as an important liaison with all three levels of government.